Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Big News, OR, Just Call Me Halle

PSA: Please swallow that sip of coffee and make sure you are sitting down before reading this post.

Ok?

Good.

So, our family's big news is that I have unexpectedly found myself EXPECTING A BABY!

I'll just wait and let that sink in a bit. If you need to process a while and come back later, that's cool.

***

Since we can't all sit down over a mug of decaffeinated tea, I've tried to anticipate some of the questions you might be having so I can share the whole scoop with you.

OMG! OMG! Anna, is this really true?Yep. I wasn't so sure myself, but I have the sonogram to prove it.
How far along are you?13 weeks.

Unexpectedly? Don't you and Tim know where babies come from by this point?Well, yeah. We decided to stop using protection when Jack died on the off chance I could get pregnant at age 41 or 42. When nothing happened, we figured that was it. Nada. Over. Four years later, we got quite a surprise. Our chances of conceiving were less than 1%, and that's if we were trying. We were not trying.

Didn't we all just wish you a happy 46th birthday last week? Won't that make you 64 or 65 when this baby graduates from high school?Eep.

So, how did you discover you were pregnant? My breasts started hurting and my period was late. Doctor Google told me it was likely peri-menopause. After a couple of weeks, I went to the dollar store and bought two pregnancy tests. Those lines showed up within seconds, and I just started to laugh! BTW, if you are 46 you will need READING GLASSES to read the instructions on a pregnancy test.

What did Tim and Margaret say?Tim was like, "Oh really? Cool!" which made me think that he would have been just fine had we jumped on the third baby wagon a decade or so ago. Margaret was concerned when she noticed I'd been to the doctor twice in a row. She was afraid I had cancer, so I was pleased to tell her that I had something growing inside me, but it wasn't what she thought. She is thrilled!

Is this a miracle? It seems like a miracle!Kind of feels like that to me, too, as long as miracles can be joyous and scary and tiring at the same time. Tim might claim it is also a result of immaculate conception due to a dearth of bedroom activity. Believe what you wish. I also know that many people would like positive pregnancy news in their own lives, and I want to acknowledge what they are going through, even as I share my news with you.

Does this mean you are replacing Jack, everything in your life is going to be perfect, and you are going to stop mourning your boy?Aww, c'mon. I know none of you would ask me that.

But aren't you one of those moms who enjoys her kids most when they are well past the baby and toddler years?Definitely. I really dig 9 year olds. That's why I'm going to need some support. Baby whisperers/cuddlers welcome!

What about the baby pool? Target tantrums? Car seats? The uh-oh game? Nasal aspirators? Tiny nail clippers? The croup? Do you mean you are really going to do all of that again?Gulp.

Are you aware that BEFORE you got pregnant this time you weighed what you weighed when you were SIX MONTHS pregnant with Margaret and that it's a lot harder to get your body back at 46 than it was when you are 29 or 31?Thanks for the reminder.

Don't you think it's a little weird that your own mom DIED at age 46, but you are bringing new life into the world at age 46?Completely weird, symbolic, and interesting. I keep smiling and asking myself, "What is our creative, loving God up to with this?"

So, will you be able to know if the baby will be healthy? What about you? Aren't there lots of extra risks for both you and the baby because of your age?There are lots of possibilities. Here is some excellent info about that.

How are you feeling?After 12 weeks of nausea, I'm feeling much better! I am super hungry and feel best while in the act of eating, so I eat a lot. I am not sleeping well because of my damaged shoulders, but otherwise am doing well. I feel a great sense of peace and am hoping to continue what has been a season of radical trust for me.

Are you going to keep writing? Public speaking? Hanging out on Facebook?Absolutely! When I became a mom almost 17 yrs ago, I would have LOVED the community found on the internet and through sharing our messy stories. Speaking to groups is my passion, and I hope to do more of it than ever. I also am guessing this adventure will provide a whole lot of blog fodder.
Cool. Does that mean we can vote on baby names, like we did for the title of your book?Ha! Ha! I'm not sure about that. But when we find out the gender, I'll be sure to let you know so you can start making lists.

Okay, Anna, one last question:

Does this mean Halle Berry was TELLING THE TRUTH that she just somehow got pregnant at 46?I guess so! Do you think she'd ever come over for a playdate?

It takes a village friends, and I could not be more grateful for mine here at An Inch of Gray. THANK YOU for being on this journey with me and thanks in advance for your prayers!

273 comments:

WOW!! HURRAH! CONGRATULATIONS! (and also...gulp!) As a soon to be 43 year old in the throes of peri-menopause, this post makes me very nervous. As someone who loves you and your family from afar, this post makes me so incredibly filled with joy. I cannot wait to follow along for the next 25+ weeks.

I am so happy for you that I got teary eyed. Jack picked out this perfect little baby just for you and I just couldn't be more excited.

I became a big sister (again) at 14! And now at 25 my little brother (who's 10) and I are very close. I love spending time with him and teaching him things and I'm sure Margaret will feel just the same!

omg omg omg omg omg!!!I turn 46 in December. I have ALL THE FEELS about your news! ALL. THE. FEELS.

So freaking happy for you I can't even. Laughing with you at the thought of doing it all over AGAIN. Tears, too. For everything. For your sweet Jack. For joy. For hormones.

My oldest is now 11. I can't tell you how often I think of you and your family and Jack. And I kept thinking that when he my guy turns 12 next summer how much more I will be thinking of you... and now THIS NEWS! This amazing, crazy news!

(BTW, I had been considering having the IUD removed, because "hey, what are the odds?" but possibly rethinking that now!)

I've been reading your blog for a little over a year; I love your writing and your willingness to share your experience with all of us. I just checked your blog a couple minutes ago and was disappointed that there hasn't been an update, and then I saw your Facebook status! What wonderful news. Congratulations and blessings to you and your family!

Sniffling here in Georgia after reading your "most excellent" news!! Congrats to you, Tim, Margaret and that little peanut you are carrying! I'm excited for you.... babies are a blessing from God and I can't wait to see what comes next for your sweet family. Hugs!!

God has a plan...Congratulations...You are such a dear family that has been through so much...I am 67 and can't imagine having a child in H.S. Your family has been strengthened through your trials and journey and I believe a loving God knows just what you need. Please take care of yourself. As you get close, let's do an online baby shower. I can host it...Your friend in Waynesboro, VA Giana "Gigi"

Oh, Anna. ANNA!It's a good thing I type with my fingers because my jaw is hanging, inoperable, off my face right now.

I have never met you and you don't even know who I am but I am thrilled for you just the same.

Only recently (I turned 47 one day before you turned 46) did I decide to stop holding on to the "possibility" of having another child (no, we weren't trying and I never had trouble conceiving; I just wanted to keep that glimmer open....probably because of some sort age-denial thing).

But this isn't about ME. It's about you and your beautiful family. Oh my goodness!Wishing you all so much joy (and more peace in your heart than trepidation).

Oh Anna, I could just cry!! I am SO happy for you all!! While you don't know me, I've followed your story ever since, "Help Margaret Meet Justin Bieber" came across my newsfeed years ago, so I feel like I know you all. And I am just so so so thrilled for you! And thrilled for your baby to get to have you, Tim, Margaret, and big brother Jack watching over him/her. Hugs!

I am crying tears of joy for your family!! What a shock this must be and is sure to be an adventure! My favorite thing in your post is "I feel a great sense of peace and am hoping to continue what has been a season of radical trust for me." Congrats and I look forward to following your journey!

I found your blog through another friend's comment on Facebook but I can (almost) relate! I am currently 11.5 weeks pregnant and this baby will be born days before my 42nd birthday! We went to numerous fertility specialists and was told they had 0% success with women like me (stupid hormones). Went through 4 rounds of IVF and nothing worked. Then, boom... surprise BFP!

I am now going to follow your blog as it'll be nice to have someone to relate to as an older pregnant. Much luck to you and your baby! :)

So very happy for you all! I had a bonus baby at 41 which has been great (except for meeting moms who are just barely 30 (or still in their 20s). What a blessing! All the best for a happy and healthy pregnancy!

So so soooo happy for you! What an incredible adventure this life is. I am the same age as you & my youngest is only 3. It is a strange feeling to look around at the other preschool parents & realize that I am old enough to be THEIR parents... but here we are. Things unfolding in the way they are meant to. Sending you much congratulations, ginger tea & long, sweet naps. :-)xoKate

Wow, I am so happy for you! I have read your blog for a long time and I have been so amazed at your ability to move forward after the death of Jack. I think this new baby will be so lucky to be in your family.

This is amazing and joyous! I am very happy for you. I will say I have known a few other women who have gotten pregnant at 46 and had extremely healthy children who are very smart. Also, if you need a frame of reference on ages and things... my mother (you know her) had me and my brother (whom you of course also know) at almost 40. We turned out ok, and she is enjoying retirement presently and getting ready to welcome her first grandchild at the ripe age of 71.

This is super exciting and it is nice to see and hear that this is happening for you!

Congratulations! Such wonderful news! I want to tell you that my husband is older - we married after his first two children were in college. Our sons are now 8 & 9. I'm your age & my husband is about to be 65. He's a great Dad and has coached the boys in all their sports. I think he's so much to have had two rounds of little ones. I hope you don't worry too much about the age - it's what you make of it!!!! So great!

Such exciting news. I am so happy for you! I had a baby at 43 (8 years younger than his sisters) so I know a little bit about what you're going through. I don't love the baby phase either, but I will say that it was easier this time around. All kinds of perspective will help. Congratulations and good luck with everything!

God has given you such a blessing with this baby. Your devotion to God is evident when you said "What is our creative, loving God up to with this?" He is giving you beauty out of ashes (Is. 61). He restores joy and life. Last week my friend Ann posted pictures of her 13yo son playing baseball again-on his prosthetic leg-about 22 months after he was diagnosed with cancer. Your story, and hers, has been a powerful testimony to me about having faith and finding strength on our darkest days. Serving the one who died for me and being obedient to His calling is a joy when I can taste and see what he does for us, but especially what He has done for you and Ann. I'm humbled and in awe of the beauty that he brings to our lives.

As soon as I read your blog title, I knew it. I am thrilled for you. I have ten years between my oldest and my youngest. Not quite as many as you but still, it was like raising two generations. Enjoy every single moment of this pregnancy!

I'm so excited for you and your family! I just had a baby in January and I turned 46 in May, he is 8 months old and while yes I did have more energy 22 years ago when I had my first, there is also a peace within that comes from already having been there done that!!! Wishing you a healthy and non eventful pregnancy!!

Congrats! As a woman that became pregnant at 44 and gave birth at 45, I assure that it can be done. I think I had the easiest, best pregnancy but then it was my only full term pregnancy and we were beyond ecstatic. It has been an awesome 14 years I hope the trend continues throughout the teen years and beyond. Oops enough about me, I am so very happy for you and your family.

Congrats! As a woman that became pregnant at 44 and gave birth at 45, I assure that it can be done. I think I had the easiest, best pregnancy but then it was my only full term pregnancy and we were beyond ecstatic. It has been an awesome 14 years I hope the trend continues throughout the teen years and beyond. Oops enough about me, I am so very happy for you and your family.

I had to pause the tv, sit up and re-read that first sentence. And then I started crying. So full of joy for you all and this unexpected gift He has given you. There is so much grief and pain in this world but things like this remind me that He is GOOD and He's triumphing over all of it. To God be the glory.

I had to pause the tv, sit up and re-read that first sentence. And then I started crying. So full of joy for you all and this unexpected gift He has given you. There is so much grief and pain in this world but things like this remind me that He is GOOD and He's triumphing over all of it. To God be the glory.

I've been following your blog for many years now. I hold on to every word you type. I've cried with you and laughed with you but I've never written a comment on a post. Today I could not hold back. You are a walking miracle. I have goosebumps all over because I feel like I know you. I wish you everything you wish for yourself and your family. Congratulations a million times over!! You are so deserving of this. Wonders never cease!! God bless all of you!!

I've been following your blog for many years now. I hold on to every word you type. I've cried with you and laughed with you but I've never written a comment on a post. Today I could not hold back. You are a walking miracle. I have goosebumps all over because I feel like I know you. I wish you everything you wish for yourself and your family. Congratulations a million times over!! You are so deserving of this. Wonders never cease!! God bless all of you!!

ANNA!!!!!! OMG! Congratulations! I am so, so happy for your family! This is so exciting. I can't wait to hear more about how it goes. I'm thrilled for you and here to offer you my baby cuddling skillz at any time.

I can't remember if I ever commented about getting pregnant at 45 and having a baby at 46! I feel like I wanted to slip that into a comment in the past so you would know it was still possible but I can't remember if I ever did.

I'm so happy for you!I just know Jack is beaming! :-)All things good are being wished for you right now.

(I'm a regular reader and have commented before but I still have this hang up of not wanting other moms from my son's preschool to know how old I am so I am not going to sign with my regular name.)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I prayed for this to happen for a long time, but hadn't done so recently. I bet you feel a kinship with Halle and Sarah! We'll start praying for you all during this transition. As you know, baby weight is just one of many sacrifices we make for our kids but they are worth it. Love you! Karen

Is it bizarre that I'm as happy for you as I have been with my own positive pregnancy tests!WOW! He sure does throw bumps in the road, but what a happy bump it is :) Congrats and best of wishes for health and happiness! I'm sure that big brother is throwing a party with the Big Guy ;)God Bless!!

It has to be exciting yet scary. I can't imagine the feelings that are running high and low .. I hope you know how many people are happy for you.. Take care of you! Congratulations to your entire family!

I literally gasped with excitement when I read your news! I thought that maybe you were going back to school (duh-didn't pay attention to the grad year!!!). I am beyond excited for you and your family. This is most definitely a HUGE God thing!!!!! Looking forward to "meeting" your little one on the blog when they arrive! :) I too am 46 and am so so excited for you! :)

Anna!!! This is such wonderful news. I am smiling from ear to ear. I have been following your blog since you lost Jack, and have laughed and cried so many times. What a blessing, Anna. You, Tim, Margaret, and Baby D are in my prayers. Love to you all.

I just arrived home from Target, having purchased several items that were not on my list - and nothing that was. Rummaging through the bag on the way home, I pulled a snack size Crunch bar from the assorted Halloween candy bag. My first thought was Jack. I must be pulling that connection from some post you wrote years ago, and perhaps I have the type of candy wrong - but ... thoughts of Jack, and your sweet family, filled my mind on the drive home ~ as I wished continued happiness and good blessings to come your way. Wow! Did you ever just one up anything I could have imagined! :-) THRILLED for each of you, Dear Anna ~ especially for that lucky little baby who has scored a spot with such a wonderful family. Congratulations!

As I commented on Facebook I had a friend get pregnant at 49! Another got pregnant at your age and when they were out in public everyone thought the baby belonged to their teenager so they loudly said things like " here hold your SISTER!" Repeatedly to let people know it was their child which only made people stare even more at the adults as if " what were you thinking, at your age??!!!!"!! So you have that to look forward to!! Haha

Congratulations to you all! Your comment about needing reading glasses for the instructions on the pregnancy test should be your opening line at all future public speaking engagements!!

Woo Hoo....Hallelujah...THE BEST NEWS OF MY WEEK!! You made my day!!!! I wish you could see the big smile on my face and in my heart for you all!!! God is truly up to something good with all of you! We'll have to have an online "An inch of Gray" baby shower for you as soon as you know the gender. Everybody get ready!! This is going to be soooo fun.And, yeah, I'm sure you're having all sorts of feelings...God will give you what you need for each day....one day at a time. You can do this, Anna. My love and hugs and best wishes to you, Tim, and Margaret Woo Hoo I'm so excited!Cindy

Woo Hoo....Hallelujah...THE BEST NEWS OF MY WEEK!! You made my day!!!! I wish you could see the big smile on my face and in my heart for you all!!! God is truly up to something good with all of you! We'll have to have an online "An inch of Gray" baby shower for you as soon as you know the gender. Everybody get ready!! This is going to be soooo fun.And, yeah, I'm sure you're having all sorts of feelings...God will give you what you need for each day....one day at a time. You can do this, Anna. My love and hugs and best wishes to you, Tim, and Margaret Woo Hoo I'm so excited!Cindy

This beautiful news completely made my day! And as an added bonus, I think Stitch Fix does Maternity clothes, but even better, Good Morning America did a segment yesterday about renting maternity clothes! I bet you could have fun with that! Congratulations to you and your family.

What absolutely glorious news! I am thrilled and over the moon for you! This isn't the party you thought you were going to, but while you're here, you might as well dance! Blessings to you and your family.

Oh my gosh! What news! I read it right before heading down to the bus stop and could hardly keep myself from gushing it to the other mom. (I did exercise restraint). Wishing you all the best on this journey and am grateful for your willingness to share it in all its complexity! And humor. Laughing is always good. Love this post! Hugs and warm thoughts!

I put a frozen pizza in the oven for the kids. (Okay, for me. Who are we kidding?) And I saw your post on FB, came here to read this and was crying and laughing and thanking GOD for this miracle and your heart...

And then the smell.

I burnt the damn pizza.

So there's that.

This was clearly DIVINE intervention, creation, and perhaps some form of redemption. Oh Anna... I am absolutely THRILLED for you and your beautiful family!! And 46 SMORTY SIX!! Who cares? You are A VERY YOUNG 46 and in amazing shape and this will be an amazing beautiful experience. I just know it.

OMG!!! I am so, so, so happy for you! What wonderful news!!! I actually teared up reading it. :) Many blessings to your family - keeping you in my prayers for an easy rest of pregnancy, and good health to you and the little one to be. Eeee!

In your post about The Bridge, you wrote that your daughter cried, "I don't want to be an only child!" It's a little piece of your story that has stuck with me for years. It seems that God was listening to your daughter and thought she could use an earthly sibling too. :) Congrats!

Ahhhh congratulations!!! This is the best thing I've heard all day and I'm beyond thrilled for all of you. What happy news. Total goosebumps. Seems like maybe Jack pulled a few strings for you guys. God is good.

I can't tell you how happy I am for you!! There has been some sad news of sick kids in the town where I live and sad news in the world has put me in a slump (I am also turning 50 on Sunday!), but this news has turned my frown upside down!! There IS happiness out there and I pray you and your lovely family every happiness with this new little one! I'm so excited to follow your new journey. Just think of all the babysitters available!! LOL!

Anna, I just found your blog through Momastery. Congratulations! All the happy tears for you. And if it's any encouragement, I was also of advanced maternal age - okay, I was advanced when my first was born, when I was 34. I was really old in mom years when I got pregnant (without the help needed for the first one) at age 40 with my second. I was not in great shape, unless you count round as a shape, but my pregnancy at age 40 was normal and uneventful, and the little stinker is now 6 and healthy and sharp as a tack. Wishing you all the best for this pregnancy, and isn't our God just amazing?!

I just stumbled onto your blog... Congratulations! Just think of how young everyone will think that your are! Most people will now think that you are only 38-39ish, at most! :-)

After losing our son (who was our third and supposed last), I had reassess how much I trusted God's plan and if I really thought of children as blessings. We ended up having 3 more kids. Babies are demanding, difficult, wonderful, amazing blessings...

My oldest is 19 and my youngest is 5. The age span has given me perspective and wisdom. I know, even in the thick of things, that these years are so precious and go so fast. Sometimes it made the drudgery of parenting a small child a little bit easier.

I cannot adequately express how happy and excited I am for you! Thrilled! Ecstatic! Over the moon! Three sheets to the wind! (Well...maybe later...) My heart is bursting with love and joy for you and your (growing) family! My mom had me when she was 41...back in the day when it was a bigger deal than it is now. 46 is the new 41!

Of course people have differing views of the afterlife in Heaven, but I just really can see Jack smiling--knowing what joy this will mean for you all. Knowing how right it is. Love to you, Anna! <3

If you even make it down this far in your comments feed, know that you're not alone -- I AM IN THE SAME BOAT. I have followed your story through Glennon, and tho' you don't know me from Eve, we must form a club (we can call it the Halle Club, since my friends have been making that joke, too). I swear I'm not trying to self-promote, here, but here's my own recent blog post about my similar circumstance: http://www.instaprincess.net/blog/?p=299

If you feel so moved, drop me a line. I will start working on our club charter, and maybe make us some tea sandwiches.

Congratulations! What an honor to have something so big (no pun intended) in common with the likes of you!

You don't know me from Adam, but I am so thrilled for you! I had a similar shock, but at age 41 (after a decade of trying and not conceiving, all kinds of invasive procedures and two successful international adoptions, and I also had a 19 year old biological child with, yes, the same husband). This news came 17 months after my mother and her sister were killed in a violent car accident that turned my whole world upside down. So, I think an angel (or two) had something to do with my surprise 40+ pregnancy and I suspect that a small angel may have had something to do with yours as well! My grandmother had her last child at age 44 (in the 1950's - unheard of!) and my aunt had her last one at 48. You've got this!!!! Wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy and safe delivery!

Oh Anna, my heart sings for you and your family. What wonderful news! I can't wait to read about this wonderful new chapter in your lives, thank you for reaching out as you always do. So many have come to care about you and your family - they are so thankful for your REAL-NESS, the love you share, and the lessons you teach. We are in for so, so much more. Wishing wonderful blessings for all of you through this process (plus amazing signs from Jack!) Prayers for only good things as you celebrate this incredible gift!

I never ever comment- always just read and pray for your family. But THIS???!!! I had to comment!! I am so overjoyed for you. What a gift. What a lucky baby. Thanks for sharing your joy as well as your heartache.

This is the best news ever. I have a huge smile. First I'm hoping you find a really cool dresser on the side of the road to convert into a changing table. Can't wait to follow the journey. Congrats to the family!

My first ever internet comment, such wonderful news! Had our second at 45 after we had "given up". Hardest part of older momdom is staying in the moment. Best part is seeing how your daughter and husband will enjoy this child - pure magic awaits. Glad you are past the pukey part! This baby will be beloved!!!

Wow! What wonderful news! I am reading Rare Bird now, and the last part I read yesterday was when you and Tim went off alone for the first time and he asked you if you should think about having another baby, and now I see this on your blog today! Congratulations!!

Welcome to the Mature Mother Club! In many ways the process is even easier now - after all, everyone is in bed by 8:30.... I've enjoyed my youngest children in ways that I couldn't access within myself 20 years ago. And the baby weight melted away just like it did the first time around so I ended up skinnier at 46 than at 44!!!! Congratulations!

What? What? WHAT? Yes that's what I shouted to the perplexed stares of my family. Perhaps you should have said "first get out of earshot of your family members who have no idea you've been reading the blog spot of some random lady from Virginia for more than five years and care about her almost as much as you care about your closest friends and family."

Dear Anna, congratulations to you (and Tim, and Margaret) on your future bundle of joy! I read your post on Facebook earlier today, then I went to pick up my son from school and run a bunch of errands. In the middle of everything I felt happy, joyous. It took me a couple of seconds to realize that the joy I was feeling was for you!! I am so happy that you have new life and a new future to look forward to, truly what a blessing. I also can't help but think that Jack has already spent some time in heaven playing with his baby brother/sister, and letting the baby know what an awesome mom you are and how much fun you will have together.

Mother to my first girl at the age of 32, my second girl at the age of 40 and twin baby boys at the age of 45. You will enjoy this pregnancy more than anything in your life. Love to all of you. xxoo Massachusetts

HEY! congratulations!!!!! i am 65 and at age 56 we adopted a brand new baby girl. i can tell you that there are some good things and some bad things about being an older mom...but it's worth it! blessings to all of you!!!!

Congratulations! This child will be a blessing to you and your family. My m-i-l gave birth at 44, and when she took her little girl to Kindergarten for the first day, all the other moms were about 26 (this was 55 years ago). So that made my m-i-l feel old. She went home and dyed her hair and lost 40 lbs, and having that baby kept her young for the rest of her long life. My own last child was born when I was 39, and I never thought I was too old. Another woman I admired had her last baby at 47, and she told me that was her shortest pregnancy ever. Until she felt the baby kicking, she thought she was in menopause! So enjoy this special time, and best wishes for your future with the new little one! God bless.

Congratulations! I got pregnant for the first time at age 45 and Sophia is now 3. You can do this no prob. At 49, I'm trying to get pregnant again because it just feels rigtht and I want Sophia to have a sibling. Your story is bigger obviously than just this news I know. But this blog entry has come just at the right time for me. I feel encouraged and not so strange. Thank you! Namaste

Congratulations to you and yours. What an amazing miracle this baby is! I can't wait to keep following your journey.

I also wanted you to know that I shared your story with my son, Jack, this summer. I was hesitant because my Jack just turned 9 and tends to be a worrier, but he was going to play at a friend's house. His friend has a culvert in his backyard and it's their favorite spot to play. Well it was raining and they thought it would be so fun. So I shared your story, with tears in my eyes, and he knew how important it was to be safe. He never went in that culvert and I am so thankful that he would happily stand on the sidelines because of hearing your story. Your story matters. Your Jack's life matters. Thank you for being so open and honest.

So very very happy for you and your family. Margaret is lucky to get to be a big sister (and a little sister!) Both such blessings. Love to you and your family. Oh those sweet baby snuggles and that baby smell. xoxo to all of you.

I told my husband that God is talking to you. He HAS to be! After reading that you had a less than 1% chance of conceiving, and that you weren't even trying, I just.... Well, I cried with amazement and joy for you, for Tim, and for Margaret. I have goosebumps. I am so thrilled. Congratulations to you all! And I bet Jack is so happy, too. What a comfort. What a miracle. What a gift.

I was (somewhat) in your shoes 18 months ago. With 3 kids ages 18, 16 and 12, I suddenly found myself in the throes of morning sickness, but thought I had some terrible disease. Three weeks later it hit me - you're pregnant dummy! The lines turned pink within 10 seconds . I had the blood test on my 41st birthday - what a surprising gift! I nervously told my husband and we started on this journey. It wasn't what we were looking for but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I, too, am not a "baby person," but I have cherished every second with this little guy who will be one in just two weeks. You will be amazed at how wonderful, and how exhausting, older motherhood is! Congrats!

Oh my gosh! I am so thankful you told me to put my coffee down because I would have absolutely ruined my keyboard!! Smiling and giggling goofily over here as I read about your joyous news!! I have a big gap between my older three our youngest, who I lovingly call our last hoorah, and it's been so fun. Love to you and your sweet (growing) family.